Fall, arguably, has some of the best treats out there! From caramel apples to pumpkin cheesecake, there are plenty to choose from—in moderation. Here are some of the best and worst fall treats for your teeth.
Best Fall Treats for Your Teeth
Apple Slices
Apples are crunchy, which helps scrape away plaque from your teeth. They are also high in water which helps wash away bacteria and other food particles.
Nuts
Nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts are such a fun fall treat. They’re also high in calcium and good for your teeth enamel.
Cheese
Go ahead and make a fall cheese board—did you know that snacking on cheese is actually good for your teeth? High in calcium, cheese can help neutralize acids in your mouth which will in turn protect your teeth.
Pumpkin or Sweet Potato-Based Treats
When pumpkin or sweet potato sweets are made with less sugar, they can actually be healthy for you as they are rich in vitamins and fiber.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a superfood, containing magnesium and protein, which help keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Worst Fall Treats for Your Teeth
Caramel Apples
While caramel apples are a classic fall treat, you’ll want to take caution with caramel as it’s sticky and can be hard to remove from your teeth, which can lead to cavities over time.
Candy Corn
Like caramel, candy corn can also get stuck to your teeth. It is also loaded with sugar, so you’ll want to make sure you only eat some in moderation.
Pumpkin Spice Lattes
Fall-flavored drinks often have a lot of sugar and acidic coffee. Over time, this can wear away your enamel and stain your teeth.
Hard Candies
Although hard candies seem harmless, they’re often in your mouth longer, which means there’s more opportunity for sugar to cling to your teeth. You’ll also want to take care that you don’t bite down on hard candies as they can crack your teeth.
Popcorn
Popcorn is a popular snack for fall parties and movie nights. You’ll just want to make sure you brush and floss after eating it as it can get stuck in your teeth.
Although these fall snacks may be bad for your teeth in big doses, it’s always ok to eat them in moderation. Just make sure your brush and floss your teeth after indulging!
About Krengel Dental
At Krengel Dental, we’re not your average dentist. We do everything we can to help your smile shine. If you’re looking for a dentist in the Twin Cities, we would love to help you at one of our metro locations. Visit our contact page to book an appointment with us.